Festivals are a part of our culture. We have grown up around them and have embraced them as a part of our lives. India is known for its various colourful festivals that are celebrated all around the year.
Festivals are not just celebrated for cultural or religious reasons. Festivals have much more to offer to the people. They bring people together and create a sense of belonging in the community. On these days people from all walks of life come together to celebrate life.
Children are particularly the ones who enjoy festivals more than adults. Festivals to them mean decorations, sweets, gifts, games and lots of other celebrations. However, there are a lot of things that children can learn from celebrating festivals.
Festivals are celebrated with people. Be it Diwali, Holi, Christmas, Eid, or Pujas, celebrations always involve people coming together and helping each other to have a good time. This teaches children the importance of community and the joys of working together. When kids take part in preparations for a festival, they make a place for themselves in this community of people. They learn to share work with everyone and together make a celebration successful.
Festivals also mean that the entire family can be together and celebrate something they believe in. Preparations at home are done by all family members together which helps them bond with each other. Kids and parents find time to help each other to decorate their house, prepare delicacies, make gifts, etc. This allows children to form a stronger bond with their family. Kids are also able to spend time and bond with their grandparents, cousins, and other relatives. In fact, In a survey conducted by Eventbrite, 77% of respondents agreed that attending festivals and events brought them closer to their family and friends.
Festivals also mean gift-giving and sharing. The exchange of gifts teaches children to share joys during festivals. Children share sweets and gifts with relatives and friends to spread the joy of celebrations. When children participate in donating or gifting to the less privileged, they learn to share and care for others who may not be able to celebrate festivals without their help. This teaches them the importance of generosity and humbleness. They also learn to be thankful for what they have and receive.
Read | Festive Guide for Indian festivals
In a recent survey, 95% of parents surveyed said that festivals help teach children lessons about traditions and culture. Festivals are a great way to understand one's culture. A child can be taught more about their culture and their country during festivals and celebrations. This teaches them about their roots in the world and makes them proud of their country and culture. It is during festivals when stories of the past come forward to teach children about the past and help them understand the importance of celebration through generations.
These are some reasons why festivals are important to children. While celebrations can be a fun time for them, the lessons that they receive are even more valuable and long-lasting.